Collapsible container modified



March 12, 1968 F. T. VOORHEES 3,372,725

VCOLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER MODIFIED Filed July 1, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTOR. FREDERICK T. VOORHEES Arramvsv March 12, 1968 F. T. VOORHEESCOLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER MODIFIED Filed July 1, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.7

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FREDERI BY ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,372,725 COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINERMODIFIED Frederick T. Voorhees, New York, N.Y., assignor to BarlowManufacturing Company, Amsterdam, N.Y., a corporation of New York FiledJuly 1, 1965, Ser. No. 468,882 Claims. (Cl. 150-49) ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE The present inventon comprises a collapsible container havinga rigid base pan, a flexible tubular wall attached to the pan, a topcover attached to the wall and movable therewith toward and from thepan, and bracing means between the pan and the top cover for maintaingthe container in an erect attitude, and for facilitating emptying thecontainer when folded.

This invention relates to the art of containers for the transport ofbulk materials, and more particularly to a collapsible container.

Many types of collapsible containers have been presented in the priorart. One type, the simplest, is merely a flexible bag in some geometricform which is adapted to be expanded for filling with dry or liquid bulkmaterial. However, serious disadvantages include the requirement thatthe bag be filled with compressed air to maintain it erect for filling;and once filled, the bag must always have some sort of support toprevent it from folding over in a semi-collapsed attitude. Another typeis similar to a be]- lows wherein pre-established folds permit thecontainer to be folded or collapsed into a preset compact form. Thistype, however, must include bulky and complex auxiliary support bracingand the like since the bellows or accordion folds constantly tend tocause the container to be selffolding. Moreover, constant folding of thecontainer for return to a filling point for reuse increases thelikelihood that the container will develop a leak, since the fabric bodywill not withstand repeated folding at the same points. Other typesinclude double walled containers wherein fluid pressure between thewalls maintains the container in an erect attitude; however, theyrequire valve means and the like, as well as a source of fluid pressure.Another type includes a collapsible bag that has a geometry with theinherent provision for easily emptying the container, but the bag has arigid outer bracing which cannot be collapsed therefore the spaceoccupied while shipping empty is the same as when shipped full. Stillother types cannot be folded simply and in such manner that the flexibleWall portion of the container is protected during the transit back to afilling point for reuse.

It is therefore a main object of this invention to provide a collapsiblecontainer which is adapted to be erected or collapsed simply; and whichis adapted to be self supporting when erected.

It is another object of this invention to provide support means for theerected container which is inherently simple and economical, providesmeans for handling of the container and its contents, yet does notcontribute appreciably to the weight of the container.

It is another object of this invention to provide the support means forthe container such that when the container is collapsed, the supportmeans also provides protection for the vulnerable flexible portions ofthe container; yet does not contribute to the bulk and weight of thecontainer for shipment back to a filling point for reuse.

A further object of this invention is to provide a collapsible containerthat can be readily emptied.

It is another important object of this invention to provide a structurefor a collapsible container which does not require a significant amountof handling and the like for erection or folding.

Other advantages will become apparent from the following detailedspecification, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In carrying out the objects of the invention there is provided acollapsible container comprising a rigid base pan, a flexible tubularwall attached to the pan, a top cover attached to the wall and movabletherewith toward and from the pan, and bracing means between the pan andthe top cover for maintaining the container in an erect attitude, andfor facilitating emptying the container when folded.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an erect container with one brace.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the container while being emptied.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the container.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the container when folded as a singleunit.

FIG. 5 is a reduced side elevation of several containers when folded andfastened together.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the brace member.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded view of the U-clamp and eye bolt.

Before proceeding with the description of the structure of a preferredembodiment of this invention, it should be. pointed out that bothflexible and rigid members are employed in the combination. The flexiblemember to be described may be formed of many natural or syntheticfabrics impregnated with such substances as to render the containercompatible with the intended use. That is to say, the sealant which iseither fabric reinforced or impregnates the fabric should benoncontaminant to and inert from any material intended to be carried inthe container. For example, the fabric may be coated with vinyl,polyurethane, neoprene, hypalon etc., depending on the stability ofthese coatings with the merchandise to be carried. Any rigid structuralmembers of the container may be formed of metal, preferably from alightweight high strength alloy, or from any of the plastics or othersuitable resins possessing the necessary properties of strength and thelike. The foregoing definitions shall apply to all subsequent referenceto flexible or rigid members.

The embodiment illustrated in the drawings comprises a rigid base pan 5such as may be formed from a channel member formed in a circle andenclosed by a bottom sheet. Structural reinforcement is provided throughthe use of another circular channel member. Rectangular slots 31 and 32are provided for storage of brace members 12 and slot 30 to accommodatea fork lift or the like.

The flexible tubular wall 2 is fastened as shown in FIG. 3 to the basepan 5, the wall being disposed between the pan surface and flange 15 ofpipe fitting 14. It is seen that the area defined on base pan 5 by theperiphery of securement of wall 2 is less than the area defined on thetop cover by the periphery of securement of Wall 2 to the top cover. Itis understood that the wall 2 should be fluid tight when it joins thepan 5, and such a seal may be obtained by bonding or cementing or thelike, depending on the nature of the particular materials employed.

A top cover is attached or secured to the top end of the flexible wall2, and is a rigid member comprising preferably a peripheral rim 4 whichmay be formed, for example, from a length of angle bent in a circle; anda cover disc 3 secured to the rim 4.

Inlet means in the form of a collar or ring 9 may be disposedconveniently centrally through the top cover. Any suitable filler neckplug 8 of conventional type may be employed for a closure for the inletring 9. Similarly, outlet means in the form of a conventional large pipefitting 14 that may be internally, and externally threaded may bedisposed through the bottom or base pan of the container. Any suitableplug may be employed as a closure for the outlet 8, for example, a plug7 with a pro trusion formed thereon in the shape of a cylinder with atransverse hole so that the threaded plug may be removed by a simple rodor the like.

The top cover and the flexible wall 2 are movable toward and away fromthe base pan 5 due to the flexibility of the Wall 2. That is to say, thewall 2 is foldable to a position such that it may be contained in orcompletely enclosed by the pan 5 when in the folded position, as willappear. It is suflicient to point out that a twisting motion is impartedto the Wall 2 and the top cover together to cause the wall to be foldedinto the pan 5.

Means are provided for preventing a twisting motion to be imparted tothe top cover and the wall 2 for maintaining the container erect, andfor permitting the container to be hoisted conventionally when filled.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, braces 12 consist generally of a square pipeelement 11 and a rectangular element 13 that telescopes into pipe 11.The square pipe element 11 has a transverse hole 23 therethrough adaptedto receive eye bolt 21 and another hole 24 through its Wall such thatpin 16 may pass through. Also a constriction 19 is formed within thepipe 11, which may be an open box which is welded in place. Rectangularelement 13 has tongue 6 with a transverse hole therethrough on one endand at the other end an enlargement 18 is formed thereon adapted toengage constriction 19. Also a threaded transverse hole 17 is formedwithin element 13 to accept threaded pin 16 which has a D-ring affixedto it. The external braces 12 are detachably disposed or connectedbetween the base pan 5 and top cover.

As can be seen from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 the top end of braces 12 aresecured to each of the stub braces 20 that have bifurcated ends bypassing shouldered and threaded eye bolt 21 through holes 26 (one ofwhich is threaded) of the U clamp 22, holes 25 of the bifurcated ends ofstub brace 20 and the hole through tongue 6.

As further shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 the bottom ends of the externalbraces 12 are secured within receptacle cups 10, each of which has atransverse hole therethrough by a similar arrangement employing U clamps22 and eye bolts 21.

Further, FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 illustrate that threaded pin 16 with a D ringattached prevents elements 11 and 13 from telescoping by being passedthrough hole 24 and threaded into hole 17 of rectangular element 13.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the containers folded in a single unit and as astacked unit of six. It will seen that the braces 12 are folded acrossthe top cover where they may be retained by suitable spring clips. Boltsor clamps (not shown) may be employed for fastening the yoke 11 directlyto the edge of base pan 5 to maintain the container in the foldedposition. FIG. 4 illustrates the folded position being maintained bydisposing the U clamps 22 over stub brace 20. FIG. 5 shows sixcollapsible containers stacked upon one another and external bracemembers 12 connected in receptacle cups 14 of the bottom container andextending upward and connecting to stub brace 20 of the uppermostcontainer. It is to be understood that when folding the bottom containerthe stub braces 20 of the bottom container are twisted out of alignmentwith bottom cups in such a Way that brace members 12 may extendupwardly.

In describing the operation of the container from folded to erectposition and transversely, it is pointed out that the inlet filler plug8 should be removed temporarily to facilitate the relief of air pressureand free movement of air into and out of the container. To erect thecontainer the braces 12 are removed from slots 31 and 32 and laid awayfrom the container. The top cover and wall 2 are ti l.

then raised to erect position by means attached to U clamps 22 which inturn are attached to stub brace 20, then by manually lifting the topcover. The braces (with pins 16 secured in place) are then simplysecured in place by the arrangement employing U clamps and eye boltsdescribed above. The container is now maintained erect. Moreover, it isretained against twisting movement (of the wall 2) such that thecontainer cannot be collapsed or otherwise distended out of shape. Afterthe container is filled with bulk material to be transported, thelifting U clamps 22 may be used for lifting the container onto a truckor the like. It will be seen that lifting stress is applied through theU clamps 22 down through the rigid braces 12 and transversely of thebottom of the container by means of receptacle cups 10 and rigid basepan 5. At no time does lifting stress or shear stress occur in theflexible wall.

After the bulk material has been delivered to its destination and thecontainer is to be emptied lifting means are attached to the upper Uclamps and pins 16 are removed from each of the external braces 12. Thenthe top cover is lifted until elements 11 and 13 are no longer capableof being telescoped, that is to say, until enlargement 18 is abuttedagainst constriction 12. As a consequence of the above tubular wall 2assumes the shape of a truncated cone (as can be seen from FIG. 2) andhence acts as a funnel, facilitating greatly the removal of thecontents. After the container is arranged in emptying position plug 7 isremoved and contents vacated through fitting 14.

As the tubular wall 2 encounters considerable strain while its shape isbeing altered, a reinforcing band of fabric 1 is provided and asillustrated in the drawings is disposed (while in the position of FIG.1), such that it forms a peripheral rim extending normally from base pan5 and also forms an annular band which is parallel to base pan 5.

When the container is to be folded for transporting, extended braces 12are detached by removal of eye bolts 21 and U clamps 22 and stored inthe slots 31 and 32 as seen in FIG, 4. Now both members are turned ortwisted clockwise (in this embodiment) through a partial turn andlowered partially to the base pan. In this manner the flexible wall 2 iscaused to gather toward the axis of the container intermediate its ends,and the flexible wall further folds over itself radially taking on theappearance not unlike that of the segmented diaphragm in a camera. Whenpartially folded in the clockwise direction, the direction of twist isthen reversed to the counterclockwise direction and the flexible walland top cover are then lowered the rest of the way into the base pan 5.

Then according to which ever mode is desirable the containers aretransported in either singular (FIG. 4) or stacked (FIG. 5) arrangement.

It is readily understood that the above embodiment the only toolrequired for intrinsic operations on the container itself is a simplerod or the like (not shown.)

In other equivalent embodiments plug 7 is replaced by a valve (notshown) when it is intended to control the flow of liquids, or plug 7 isreplaced by a gate when the container is used in conjunction withpourable solids. Also, means may be incorporated to induce eitherpressure or vacuum within the container.

Any bracing structure may be used that is capable of extending insteadof telescoping elements. For example, two rods that are adjacent andslidably connected so that they are translatably in relation to eachother would be equivalent to the telescoping square pipe and rectangularelement shown.

One of the more obvious advantages of the collapsible container is thatit can hold several times the volume of bulk commodity as theconventional rigid drums while occupying only a fraction of the spacethat rigid drums require. Moreover, the folded container occupies afraction of the space as the erect container, hence does not requirevaluable load space when being returned. The collapsible container canbe formed of a variety of materials, making it compatible fortransporting commodities of diiferent natures. Although the container islight in weight, it is unique in that the base pan, wall and top covercontain the bulk material, while the independent and external bracesremove all handling stresses from the container itself, except when thecontainer is extended into emptying position and for this there has beenprovided a reinforcing band. Thus a full container can also store acommodity at a depot area for periods of time with no deleteriouseffects on the flexible wall.

Other advantages that also are apparent are that the container can bereadily emptied for it assumes the shape of a funnel and that folded thefolded container can be stacked and secured in this arrangement so as tobe handled with facility during transport by fork lifts, hoists and thelike.

It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to theembodiment disclosed, but is to be construed within the spirit and scopeof the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A collapsible container comprising a rigid base pan, a flexibletubular wall attached to said pan and foldable to a position enclosed bysaid pan, a top cover attached to the top end of said wall and movabletherewith toward and away from said pan, inlet and outlet means for saidcontainer, and bracing means for said container, said flexible tubularwall, base pan and top cover substantially defining the shape with aconstant transverse area when said bracing means are partially extended,said flexible tubular wall, base pan and top cover substantiallydefining a funnel shape when said bracing means are further extended.

2. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1, said flexible tubularwall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with vinyl.

3. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1, said flexible tubularWall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with polyurethane.

4. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1, said flexible tubularwall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with neoprene.

5. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1, said flexible tubularwall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with hypalon.

6. A collapsible container comprising a rigid base pan, a flexibletubular wall attached to said pan and foldable to a position enclosed bysaid pan, a top cover attached to the top end of said wall and movabletherewith toward and away from said pan, inlet and outlet means for saidcontainer, and bracing means for said container while in emptyingposition, said bracing means comprising two elements longitudinallytranslatable in relation to each other, detachable means for preventingtranslation, means for securing said braces to top cover and base pan,said flexible tubular wall capable of assuming a generally funnel shapewhen said external braces are extended.

7. A collapsible container as defined in claim 6, said flexible tubularwall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with vinyl.

8. A collapsible container as defined in claim 6, said flexible tubularWall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with polyurethane.

9. A collapsible container as defined in claim 6, said flexible tubularwall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with neoprene.

10. A collapsible container as defined in claim 6, said flexible tubularwall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with hypalon.

11. A collapsible container comprising a rigid base.

Part, a flexible tubular wall attached to said pan and foldable to aposition enclosed by said pan, a top cover attached to the top end ofsaid wall and movable therewith toward and away from said pan, inlet andoutlet means for said container, and bracing means for said containerwhile in emptying position, said bracing means comprising two elementslongitudinally translatable in relation to each other, detachable, meansof securing said braces to top cover and base pan, said flexible tubularwall capable of assuming a generally funnel shape when said externalbraces are extended.

12. A collapsible container as defined in claim 11, said flexibletubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with vinyl.

13. A collapsible container as defined in claim 11, said flexibletubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with polyurethane.

14. A collapsible container as defined in claim 11, said flexibletubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with neoprene.

15. A collapsible container as defined in claim 11, said flexibletubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with hypalon.

16. A collapsible container comprising a rigid base pan, a flexibletubular wall attached to said pan and foldable to a position adjacentsaid pan, a top cover attached to the top end of said wall and movabletherewith toward and away from said pan, inlet and outlet means for saidcontainer, said wall being adapted to move toward said 30 pan in atwisting motion about the axis of said container for collapsing same,external braces comprising two tele scoping elements and detachablemeans to prevent extension, means by which said braces are releasablyattached to said base pan and top cover, said braces when attached tobase pan and top cover preventing said wall from being twisted, and saidbraces with said means to prevent extension maintaining container in arigid erect position, with said wall, said top cover and said base pandefining generally a cylindrical shape, said wall being secured to 40base pan over said outlet means such. that the area defined on the saidbase pan by the periphery of securement to said wall is substantiallyless than the area on the said top cover defined by the periphery ofsecurement to said wall, when said braces telescoped into extension thensaid wall said top cover and said base pan defining generally atruncated conical shape.

17. A collapsible container as defined in claim 16, said flexibletubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with vinyl.

5 18. A collapsible container as defined in claim 16, said flexibletubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with polyurethane.

19. A collapsible container as defined in claim 16, said flexibletubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with neoprene.

20. A collapsible container as defined in claim 16, said flexibletubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with hypalon.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 664,147 12/1900 Harth 150-491,375,384 4/1921 Guhl 150-49 FOREIGN PATENTS 953,411 3/ 1964 GreatBritain.

71,060 1/1930 Sweden. 57,175 9/ 1911 Switzerland.

JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, Primary Examiner.

FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, Examiner.

